Mini-med to explore behavioral health
for children, adults, seniors

Mental illness touches almost everyone at some stage of life, yet remains one of the most misunderstood afflictions in today’s society. Too often people think of mental illness as a "weakness," but nothing could be further from the truth. These are true illnesses – brain diseases – that disrupt relationships, work, school and home life.

More than 26 percent of Americans ages 18 and older – about one in four adults – suffer from a mental disorder.

Behavioral health encompasses a myriad of conditions and diseases that begin with a genetic malfunction or a misfire in the brain and end with significant suffering. In fact, mental disorders comprise four of the top five sources of premature death and disability in 15 to 44 year olds in the Western world.

Depression, autism and other mental disorders are serious, often life-threatening illnesses for which we need reliable diagnostic tests, new treatments and effective strategies for prevention. Neuroscience research offers the opportunity to advance our knowledge of these disorders just as molecular and cellular biology offers great hope for cancer, heart disease and diabetes.

At this Mini-Medical School, you will learn how UNMC researchers and physicians are conducting basic science and clinical studies to reduce the burden of mental illness. You also will learn how UNMC’s experts are working to achieve better understanding, treatment and, eventually, prevention of these life-changing conditions that affect millions of children and adults.